ENGINEERING PROJECT ROADMAP
Project phases
CONTROL
La réalisation de l’ouvrage,respect de la qualité, coût et délai
Conseile
Companies on
investment choices
Concevoir
The works to be carried out
design study
implementation project
INSTALL
The work: construction management, equipment supply, acceptance of installations
ATTEND
The investor for staff training, operation, maintenance, etc.
Front-End Loading
Front End Loading FEL is a philosophy that consists of
designing and planning in predefined phases, first in an approximate manner, then in a more precise manner.
This allows the necessary strategic choices to be made early on in the project (front end) and also minimises project variability in terms of cost, quality, schedule and safety.
FEL1: Conceptual Engineering
Conceptual engineering (Conceptual Engineering/Financial Feasibility) is the first phase of Front End Loading (FEL1).
It aims to validate business opportunities by assessing the initial viability of the project, its strategic importance and the main risks. The client generally carries out the initial steps to define the strategic and commercial objectives, then an engineering firm is commissioned to complete the remaining activities.
The initial cost estimate is established with an accuracy of approximately ±50%.
The decision is based on one key question: is the project necessary and does it generate sufficient benefits?
FEL2 – Preliminary engineering
Phase FEL2 aims to further develop the project by analysing technological, process and commercialisation alternatives in order to select the best option.
It includes more detailed engineering and risk analysis than FEL1, as well as a cost reassessment with an accuracy of approximately ±25%. The key decision concerns the choice of the most appropriate design.
FEL3 : Detailed Engineering
Detailed engineering (Detailed Engineering/Financial Budget) is the third phase of Front End Loading (FEL3).
It aims to define the selected alternative in detail in order to support the final investment decision.
This phase includes the in-depth development of engineering documents, the finalisation of risk analysis, the ordering of long-lead equipment and the completion of the execution plan.
Cost estimates reach an accuracy of approximately ±10%.
Key decisions relate to the commitment of overall funding and the validation of the scope of work.
Execution
This phase corresponds to the delivery of deliverables and constitutes the core of the project.
It involves mobilising resources, managing teams and rigorous monitoring using management tools and regular coordination meetings.
Project performance is measured continuously to ensure compliance with quality, deadlines, costs and safety requirements.
The key decision at the end of the phase is: is the installation complete?
Commissioning
Commissioning takes place at the end of construction and aims to verify that the installation is functioning as designed.
The systems are tested, staff are trained and the final documentation is produced.
Critical systems undergo regulatory qualifications (IQ, OQ, PQ). The phase ends with the formal transfer of responsibility and acceptance of the project by the client.
The key decision is: is the installation compliant and ready for operation?
Project closure
Closure marks the end of the project and is based on structured validation demonstrating that the process produces consistent and compliant results.
It includes the removal of customer reservations, the delivery of final documents, archiving, financial closure and feedback in order to capitalise on lessons learned.
The key decision is: have the expected benefits actually been achieved?